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Where Non-League MattersMon, 17 Apr 2017 16:18:07 +0000en
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Why Does Ground Grading Always Come as a Surprise?https://undertheleague.com/2017/04/17/why-does-ground-grading-always-come-as-a-surprise/
https://undertheleague.com/2017/04/17/why-does-ground-grading-always-come-as-a-surprise/#commentsMon, 17 Apr 2017 13:44:07 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=4023It’s that time of year again. No, not when I write my now seemingly annual article (sorry, I’ll try and get back to it!), but rather the time when clubs anxiously await their fate as to which division they’ll be competing in the following season. Why, though, does it always come to this?

A wise man once said:

There are two certainties in life; death and taxes.

Well, in nonleague football there are three: postponements, reprieves and ground grading.

And it’s the last item on that list that is the talk of the moment right now. In the National League South and North, three playoff contenders are in danger of falling foul of the Football Association’s strict guidelines regarding the standard of facilities.

Poole Town and Hungerford Town – fifth and sixth respectively in the South – along with Darlington, fifth in the North, have all been told they cannot compete in the playoffs as they do not meet the requirements for covered seating in the National League. The standard says the following:

The minimum covered seated accommodation must be 500. These may be located in two stands of which at least 250 shall be seats located in one stand, with no stand having less than 100 seats. These seats may be inclusive of Directors/Committee and press seating.

All three clubs have appealed their punishments.

Darlington’s appeal centers around the fact that the ground grading guidelines were amended in May 2016. Prior to then, it was accepted that a club could enter the playoffs with temporary seating, as long as they had planning permission and a detailed plan for the installation of permanent seats. The statement goes on to say:

This change in the requirement for permanent covered seating was only brought to the Board’s attention in the past couple of months. By the time the Board was fully aware of the requirement, it was not able to act because of the timescales involved and the lack of funds available.

I’m sorry, what? The board were not aware of the requirements until a couple of months ago? Surely if your club is on such a phenomenal trajectory (they have achieved three promotions since coming into existence in 2012) you would be used to reading these grading documents, and would be aware of any changes to them? Even if you thought you were fully across it, you would read and re-read them just to make sure you passed muster, no?

Don’t get me wrong. I do feel sorry for The Quakers, as theirs is the latest incredible ‘phoenix club’ story, and hopefully this oversight on their part will serve only as a temporary roadblock on their path back to the Football League.

In the cases of Poole Town and Hungerford Town, it seems both clubs have been so busy concentrating on meeting the requirements to remain at Step Two that they have failed to prepare for the eventuality of promotion. Both clubs faced the prospect of demotion at the end of the season if they didn’t achieve the B grade required to play at Step Two. Happily, the two clubs did meet the March 31st deadline, but now find themselves being held back in the South.

In the case of Hungerford, they are some 133 seats short of the requirement (I haven’t been able to find out about Poole), and according to their official statement:

Our focus has always been on making the ground grading requirements for this league and that alone has been monumental but we assumed that adding extra seats would be arguable.

Again, what? You assumed the extra seats required would be arguable? Please!

While all three clubs have appealed the decisions, it’s hard to see how they can hope to win them. The rules are quite clear after all. The ground grading documents can be downloaded from the FA website, and state clearly what is required.

Apologies to the three clubs mentioned, this article isn’t necessarily aimed at them, but they are the three highest profile clubs currently affected. It happens every year it seems; a club realises it doesn’t meet ground grading and we see frantic appeals and fundraising as they desperately scrabble around to upgrade their ground so they can either take a promotion or remain at their current level.

Currently, if a club gets promoted, they have until March 31st the following season to ensure their ground is up to scratch for the level they’re competing at. In the case of the National League, you need a Grade B to play in the National North or South, and a Grade A to play in the National League. However, there is something of an anomaly here. For instance, as we have seen in the three cases here, you can compete at Step Two temporarily with a Grade C, as long as you achieve Grade B by the March deadline. Failure to do so will result in your club being demoted back down to Step Three, regardless of your finishing position (one of many reasons we see reprieves for other teams).

What that means, of course, is that you effectively need to have a Grade A at Step Two if you have any ambitions of reaching nonleague’s top flight. This is a massively expensive undertaking, especially for clubs achieving back to back promotions, or multiple promotions in a short space of time. It has been reported that it will cost upwards of £150,000 just to install the extra seats required, on top of what these clubs have already spent just to meet the requirements for Step Two. As I say, expensive.

In addition, to play in the top flight you also need a minimum capacity of four thousand, and the ability to increase that to five thousand. I have been unable to ascertain how long clubs get to carry out the necessary work. Currently there are two clubs plying their trade at Step One with capacities less than four thousand – Solihull Moors with 3050, and North Ferriby United with just 2700. Moors have plans in place to increase their capacity, and I know NFU were looking at a potential new home when promotion started looking likely, although they have been relegated after just one season, and there is still a small chance that Moors could join them.

What needs to be done to avoid this in future?

The obvious solution to the problem is communication. The FA should make it abundantly clear what is required on a division by division basis, i.e. a circular should be sent at the start of every season to each club stating their current grading, and what – if anything – needs to be done should the club wish to go for promotion. Let’s not forget, promotion isn’t every club’s ambition every season, but for those who do have aspirations of moving up a level, they should be acutely aware of what is required so we can avoid these embarrassing situations in future.

One other possibility is that the rules are tweaked at the top of the nonleague game, and clubs are allowed to start the season with a Grade B, but must attain Grade A by March 31st. With the extra income from gates and TV, that shouldn’t be a problem. However, this scenario is unlikely due to the very fact that the National League is now broadcast by BT Sport.

The flipside of that would be to do away with the leeway currently afforded to clubs lower down the ladder, i.e. you have to have the grade before you can get promoted. However, that is totally unworkable in my opinion, and would lump massive and unnecessary expense on clubs, as they would need the grading for the division above even if they have no immediate plans for promotion.

My final solution would be to have clubs apply for promotion from Steps Two, Three and Four, in the same way they have to from Step Five down. That way, we would all know where we stand from an early stage. However, that immediately encounters a problem: the playoffs. From Step Five downward, only one team gets promoted. There are no playoffs at all. For a club to be promoted, they have to have applied (meaning that they already have the necessary grading), and they must also finish in the top two in their division. That is a recent change, as my local team Bracknell Town finished fifth in the Hellenic Division One East in 2012-13, but were promoted as the highest placed club to have applied. Enough of that tangent though!

As things stand in the National South, seventh placed Hampton & Richmond Borough (long term readers will know my affection for the mighty Beavers!) will enter the playoffs should Hungerford and Poole fail in their respective appeals, although that has yet to be officially confirmed by the league.

All in all, it’s a flawed system, but one which is doing the best it can from the FA’s point of view. The whole reason the March 31st deadline exists is to give clubs that leeway in light of a rapid – and often unexpected – rise through the divisions. Clubs shouldn’t be held back because of a few seats, or because the running track is the wrong width (that has happened in the past!), they should be encouraged to achieve and, in some cases, over achieve.

The ultimate responsibility, though, lies with the clubs themselves. They need to familiarise themselves with what is required of them, not only for the division they are currently competing in, but also for the one above if their short term ambitions include getting promoted. Let’s not have this circus at the end of the season anymore!

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2017/04/17/why-does-ground-grading-always-come-as-a-surprise/feed/1GOING UP-jamesutlNational League Promotion Predictions 2016-17https://undertheleague.com/2016/07/25/national-league-promotion-predictions-2016-17/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/07/25/national-league-promotion-predictions-2016-17/#respondMon, 25 Jul 2016 09:45:20 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=4016Is it really that time of year again? The new season is less than two weeks away, and managers are adding the final touches to their squads ahead of their respective promotion/relegation/mid table mediocrity campaigns. And with a new season comes a new set of predictions!

If you listen to Non League Podcast, you may have heard the team make their predictions over the last couple of shows. Here, I am going to put my selections in writing, and try and justify my choices!

National League

It promises to be another fascinating season in nonleague’s top division. At the top, last season’s beaten playoff finalists Forest Green Rovers will be hoping to go one better this time around. However, they will face stiff competition from the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Torquay United, Wrexham and the teams relegated from League Two – York City and Dagenham & Redbridge. And that’s not forgetting potential dark horses like Gateshead or the promoted National South Uniteds, Maidstone and Sutton.

So who will make the leap into the Football League?

Last season, my choices were largely influenced by the players signed, particularly in attack. This time, it seems my attention has turned to the dugout for some of my choices. That is certainly the case here. I am going for Dagenham & Redbridge to make an immediate return to League Two, largely because of John Still. If there is one manager in the division who knows how to get out of it, it’s John Still. He has previously won the title on two occasions; with the Daggers in 2006-07, and Luton Town to finally get them promoted seven seasons later, after they had spent four seasons out of the league. Still is a legend at the club, having managed nearly six hundred games with them, and he knows how to get the best out of what he has to work with.

Make no mistake; the National League will be a tough, tough division this season, with no obvious clear favourite to take top spot come next April. It could be a good opportunity for a ‘dark horse’ to surprise everyone. However, now that the curse of the relegated clubs has been broken in the last two seasons with Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town getting promoted at the first attempt, I see no reason why it can’t happen again.

National North

The North is another tough one to call, but again I have picked my choice based on who is in the dugout. For me, Billy Heath’s appointment at FC Halifax Town means the Shaymen will be back among nonleague’s elite in twelve months time. Like John Still, Heath knows the division well, having taken North Ferriby United up last season, the highest level the Villagers have ever reached. He also, of course, won the FA Trophy in 2015, and has delivered success and silverware in every campaign.

Heath has brought a few of the NFU squad with him to The Shay, most notably striker Tom Denton, and has also managed to keep hold of last season’s top scorer Jordan Burrow. The squad looks good, and for me they should be able to withstand the challenge of the likes of Salford City, Stockport County, AFC Fylde and FC United of Manchester. There are going to be some huge matches this season, and some big crowds too, and it certainly promises to be as exciting – if not more so – than the division above.

If Heath is going to deliver an immediate return to the top flight for FC Halifax, he is going to need all his considerable managerial acumen to overcome what is arguably one of the toughest divisions this season.

National South

In the South, for me it is one of the ‘nearly men’ teams that will take the honours this season. Ebbsfleet United are my pick, and Daryl McMahon’s men should finally make it over the line this time around after two disappointing seasons at Step Two. The reason? Well, apart from their sizeable budget, I have actually reverted to last season’s rationale and looked at their striking options. In Bradley Bubb, Aaron McLean, Danny Kedwell and Charlie Sheringham they have four strikers who can all hit fifteen plus goals a season. If McMahon can utilise them well, they should be too much for most teams in this division to handle.

The Fleet currently have a small squad, but it is packed with quality. Nathan Ashmore is an excellent goalkeeper at this level – and the one above to be fair – and in the likes of John Paul Kissock, they have experience and expertise in the centre of the pitch.

As I said, they’ve had a couple of years in the South now, finishing a disappointing eighth last season and losing the playoff final to Dover the season before. However, they look to be in a strong position to hold off the likes of Whitehawk, Chelmsford City and Maidenhead United.

What do you think? How far off the mark am I in your opinion? Get in touch with your predictions by tweeting @undertheleague, or leave a comment below.

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/07/25/national-league-promotion-predictions-2016-17/feed/0vanarama-national-league-logo-43207-2482023_478x359jamesutlNon League Finals Day Promises To Be A Festival Of Football!https://undertheleague.com/2016/05/20/non-league-finals-day-promises-to-be-a-festival-of-football/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/05/20/non-league-finals-day-promises-to-be-a-festival-of-football/#respondFri, 20 May 2016 14:02:01 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3943This Sunday’s double header at Wembley Stadium looks set to be a fantastic day of football, with tens of thousands of tickets sold. Will this be the first of a new tradition for the Vase and Trophy Finals, or is it a last desperate attempt to justify the finals taking place at the home of English football?

Ticket sales have been brisk, and there are only days left until this season’s Non League showpiece finale to the season at the National Stadium. For fans of Hereford FC, Morpeth Town, FC Halifax Town and Grimsby Town it is the culmination of a hard season, and all four will want the win for different reasons.

First up is the FA Vase final, which kicks off at 12:15, and sees Midland Football League champions Hereford FC host Morpeth Town of the Northern League. Hereford have sold more than nineteen thousand tickets so far, whilst Morpeth have sold in excess of four thousand.

Morpeth finished fourth in the EBAC Northern League, but were nineteen points behind champions Shildon. Interestingly, for a club finishing fourth with seventy seven points, goals were not the order of the day in Town’s matches. In their forty two league games, they scored forty six and conceded thirty nine. They will need that tight defence against Hereford, who plundered an incredible 138 goals as they amassed 108 points on their way to the title.

Hereford boast in their attack two players who scored more goals between them than the whole Morpeth side. John Mills hit thirty eight following his move from Didcot Town – where he hit more than fifty last season – while Pablo Haysham notched sixteen times. Morpeth’s top hitman is Sean Taylor, who scored twenty league goals, very impressive considering the team’s cumulative total.

So how did the teams get to Wembley?

Morpeth started at the very beginning, in the First Qualifying Round way back on September 5th, when they beat Padiham 4-1. En route to the final, they have also beaten both North and South Shields (the latter in an epic penalty shootout which ended 10-9 after a 3-3 draw), and overcame Bowers & Pitsea 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-final.

Hereford, meanwhile, came in at the Second Qualifying Round, and beat the likes of Leicester Nirvana, aswell as Combined Counties League high flyers Hartley Wintney and Camberley Town on their journey to Sunday’s final. During their title romp, The Bulls notched an almighty twenty seven wins in a row in all competitions, before a 1-1 draw with runners-up Alvechurch ended that sequence.

Hereford have been granted permission to parade their mascot before the game; a real life Bull named Hawkesbury 1 Ronaldo, between 11:10 and 11:40.

Prediction: I have to be honest here, I just cannot see past Hereford for this one. The club are on the up again following their rebirth, and in Mills and Haysham they will surely have too much for the Morpeth defence. I’m going to say Hereford FC 3 Morpeth Town 1.

At 4:15, attention turns to this season’s final nonleague match of the season, the game that brings the curtain down on nearly ten months of drama. The FA Trophy final sees two teams who competed in this season’s National League, but who will be two divisions apart in 2016-17, compete for the most prestigious trophy in nonleague. While Grimsby Town enjoyed success in the promotion playoff final just last week, FC Halifax Town will be playing in National North following relegation.

The Mariners will be confident of completing a double this weekend, thus repeating the feat of York City in 2012. Their 3-1 victory over Forest Green Rovers last weekend was a confident display, and banished the ghosts of the past three seasons, in all of which they suffered playoff heartbreak, in either the semifinal or final.

Paul Hurst’s side boast some enviable attacking talent in Padraig Amond, Omar Bogle and Nathan Arnold. Amond was the joint top scorer in the National, bagging thirty goals, the same as Dan Holman at champions Cheltenham Town. Bogle made the step up last summer from Solihull Moors, and has performed well all season. He will now get the chance to play in League Two.

FC Halifax had a horrible season, in which they went through four managers on their way to relegation. The Shaymen won just one of their first thirteen matches in charge, prompting the club to sack Neil Aspin, the man who had led them to three promotions in four seasons. Under current manager Jim Harvey, the team did show fight and there was hope that they would pull off a miraculous escape. However, a final day draw with Macclesfield Town saw them drop into the bottom four. Striker Jordan Burrow has been a rare bright spot in the season, though, banging in fourteen goals.

One thing should be certain in this game: goals. The two league games between the teams yielded thirteen goals; Grimsby thrashing Halifax 7-0 at Blundell Park, while The Shaymen garnered some revenge in the return fixture, triumphing 4-2.

Route to Wembley

FC Halifax made it to the National Stadium by beating Tamworth, Barrow AFC, Chester FC, Gateshead, and Nantwich. The quarter final victory against Gateshead will have been especially sweet, not only as it came on the back of a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in the away replay, but because the Gateshead manager was a certain Mr Aspin.

Prediction: No doubt Grimsby will be clear favourites for this one, but Halifax will be hoping that their opponents may have taken their eye off the ball having achieved the major objective of promotion last weekend. However, a Wembley cup final should be enough to focus the players of both teams. I can’t help thinking that Grimsby’s attacking prowess will be too much for Halifax, and it will end up 4-2 to Grimsby.

Non-League Podcast

The team from the Non-League Podcast – Kristan, Libby, Rob and myself – will be in attendance on Sunday, hopefully recording some audio from in and around the ground. Dave won’t be at the games, but he is hoping to meet up afterwards for a chat. Make sure you subscribe in iTunes by searching ‘Non League Podcast’, or you can find the show online.

We will be sitting in the Halifax section, in Block 552, so make sure you find us and say hi!

This is the view we can look forward to enjoying from our seat (courtesy of wembleystadium.com)

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/05/20/non-league-finals-day-promises-to-be-a-festival-of-football/feed/0NLfinals-dayjamesutlHawkesbury-Ronaldo3-820x400Screen Shot 2016-05-20 at 14.58.46Title Race is Going to the Wire in Ryman Premierhttps://undertheleague.com/2016/04/22/title-race-is-going-to-the-wire-in-ryman-premier/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/04/22/title-race-is-going-to-the-wire-in-ryman-premier/#respondFri, 22 Apr 2016 10:53:39 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3938St George’s Day will see a huge battle for the top spot in the Ryman Isthmian Premier Division.

It’s a two horse race between Hampton & Richmond Borough and Bognor Regis Town for the title. Alan Dowson’s Beavers are three points clear of The Rocks, and have a goal difference four better than that of Town. As I’m sure you’ve figured out, Hampton have their fate in their own hands. Avoid defeat and win the title, and with it promotion to National League South. Simple. However, their final game is against Enfield Town, who themselves need a win to have any chance of finishing in the playoffs. Home advantage could be key for Hampton, as a bumper Beveree crowd is expected. Hampton have been top for some time now, playing great football and banging in plenty of goals along the way, and they will be keen to get the job done, especially as ‘Dowse’ promised promotion before the season!

The Beavers are in excellent form – especially at home – where they have not lost in eighteen games, winning sixteen of those. They did lose twice at Beveree at the start of the season, however; 1-2 against Grays, and 0-4 against Lewes, one of only two wins on the road for the relegated club from the Dripping Pan. Dowson will be happy to have the matter in their own hands, and I’m sure he’s spent all week drilling into his players what is needed. Make no mistake, he will not be playing for a draw. He will set the team up to win the game, and get the job done.

Bognor, meanwhile, host Hendon FC on Saturday. The game will be Town’s eighth in twenty one days in April (they also played ten matches in March) due largely to their fantastic cup runs this season, culminating in an FA Trophy semifinal against Grimsby Town last month. After a poor Easter which saw them lose three in a row, and seemingly out of the title reckoning, Jamie Howell’s side have since won their last five to put themselves in a position to capitalise should Hampton slip up. To do so, they would need to win, Hampton lose, and a five goal swing in the goal difference. However, unlike Hampton, Bognor are playing a team with nothing left to play for. Wednesday night saw twentieth placed Burgess Hill Town host Hendon, who before the match lay in nineteenth. The away team grabbed the spoils thanks to a goal seven minutes from time, and with it assured their place in the division next season. Bognor will now be confident of bagging the goals they need to eradicate the goal difference and hope Enfield can cause the shock at Hampton.

I don’t want to make a prediction here, being a supporter of Hampton as most of you will be aware. The one thing I would say is that I fully expect Bognor Regis Town to do their bit and beat Hendon by at least three goals, especially with 34-goal Jason Prior in excellent form.

Whatever happens, it is sure to be a nervy and tense afternoon at both Beveree Stadium and Nyewood Lane.

Follow all the action on Twitter by following the club’s official accounts, @hrbfc and @rocks1883. The game will also be broadcast live on Radio Wey, an excellent volunteer run internet radio station that covers sport every week in Middlesex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Log onto www.radiowey.co.uk and listen to all the turmoil unfold live!

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/04/22/title-race-is-going-to-the-wire-in-ryman-premier/feed/0Ryman FLjamesutlSilkmen Draw a Blank in Wrexham Stalematehttps://undertheleague.com/2016/02/28/silkmen-draw-a-blank-in-wrexham-stalemate/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/28/silkmen-draw-a-blank-in-wrexham-stalemate/#respondSun, 28 Feb 2016 12:32:58 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3911Neither side are currently enjoying their finest days, but today marks a clash between two of football’s grand old clubs. Wrexham were formed in 1863, and Macclesfield Town in 1874, and for much of recent history, this fixture was a staple of the Football League calendar. That all changed in 2008, when Wrexham fell through the League Two trapdoor, with Macc following in 2012.

The aim for both clubs is a playoff spot, and it’s today’s visitors who will be feeling more confident about meeting that target. Macc have faltered recently, with three league defeats preceding this crucial clash, whilst Wrexham – with 1,089 traveling fans in tow – arrive at the Moss Rose on a run of six matches unbeaten. Could Welsh dominance be the order of the day?

I take the arduous 10 minute train journey into Macclesfield, and even under grey skies, the town retains a real charm. There are old cobbled streets, medieval churches and an abundance of charming little cafés. Originally a major player in the silk trade, Macc has more recently become renowned for the availability of some rather less wholesome substances. But on a Saturday afternoon, traversing the town centre’s cobbled steps, it’s undoubtedly scenic, pleasant and lively.

The great Irish playwright Brendan Behan claimed that “the most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.” I set out to tick off the first two, starting at Volk Bar & Kitchen, a new Macclesfield eatery. Its walls are dotted with surrealist art, its menu with Americana eats (I opt for an excellent bacon cheeseburger with skinny fries) and the drinks offering is hip without being hipster. In short, I’m impressed. However, if you’re just after a light bite, the nearby Rustic Coffee Co. would be my recommendation.

Macclesfield’s new eatery ‘Volk’ is well worth a visit.

There’s time to nip into The Bate Hall, a traditional pub dating back to the 16th century, and most notable for its historic timbered interior. Its old world charm makes it a nice place to stop off for a quick drink – which I do – and its large windows offer a view out onto the historic Chestergate, if you fancy watching the world go by. But I have somewhere to be, and off I head to the Moss Rose Ground, around 1.5 miles south of the town centre.

The historic interior of the Bate Hall Pub on quaint Chestergate.

I arrive in time to enjoy the ground’s Corner Flag bar, which boasts an impressive selection of bottled beers, and an even larger collection of fans bemoaning Macclesfield Town’s recent form. I grab myself a Badger Hopping Hare ale and a match day program (well written) and chat with Allan, a lifelong Macc fan, to get the inside scoop on the team’s season.

“We played quite well at the start of the season, and were well into the groove by the beginning of October”, he tells me. However, Allan contends that there’s now “no chance of a play-off spot”, and that whilst “Kristian Dennis is a top player”, he contends that “if [Dennis] doesn’t score, there isn’t much else”. As for Jack Sampson, I am informed that “he’s 6’9” and looks 5’9” in the air”. I thank Allan for his time, and head to my seat in the Brewtique Stand, having dialled down my expectations of the home team by several notches.

Settling down in the Corner Flag bar with some essential matchday supplies.

The Brewtique Stand consists of some modest terracing, with several rows of seats in front – none of it remotely protected from an icy Cheshire wind. Its smart but varied appearance is representative of Moss Rose. Behind the opposite goal is the uncovered John Askey Terrace, with the raised Silk FM Main Stand – built in 1968 – on one side of the pitch, and the smart, modern Henshaws Stand running alongside the other touchline. Wrexham’s large away following – and their flags – cover the chilly terrace and a corner of the Henshaws Stand, as we get underway.

The early exchanges are a fairly tepid affair. Macclesfield’s Iraqi goalkeeper Shwan Jalal has one straightforward save to make in the early moments, but the game is short on goalmouth action. There is a strong wind howling across the Moss Rose, and both sides struggle to adapt their passing game, resulting in a series of throw-ins and groans from both sets of supporters.

As the half wears on, Macc begin to exert themselves on the game. Danny Whitaker’s looping header lands on the roof of the net before Danny Whitehead lashes a shot just past the post. But the visitors come even closer, shortly before the half-hour mark, when Kayden Jackson rushes down the wing with the ball, and fires a lovely curling effort which beats the helpless Jalal. It crashes agonisingly off the post, though, and the Wrexham fans stand head-in-hands, as a grateful Macc defence clear the danger.

Macc ‘keeper Shwan Jalal powers a goal-kick downfield.

The intensity – and the quality of play – drops a bit as we near half-time, and those sauntering out of the Brewtique Stand for a cuppa before the whistle blows miss very little action. But the second period is quickly lit up by a slick Macc move which culminates in a goal bound strike from Kristian Dennis, and only the quick reactions of Wrexham ‘keeper Rhys Taylor – who spent three seasons with the Silkmen – prevent an opening goal.

Wrexham’s first opening of the half is a dramatic and faintly ridiculous goalmouth scramble, which Macc just about survive. But again, this all-action burst quickly fizzles out into a game dominated by two well-organised defences and punctuated by a lack of cutting-edge in attack. It isn’t helped by some poor refereeing decisions, and whilst Macclesfield’s Chris Holroyd and Danny Whitehead continue to look lively, both struggle to provide Dennis with a gilt-edged chance. For their part, the Wrexham defence continues to outmuscle and outmanoeuvre the prolific Macc marksman.

Both sides battle for possession in a tight affair.

He’s marked closely throughout the game, and his final real chance of the match is effectively (and bravely) blocked by Wrexham’s imposing centre-back Blain Hudson. Both sides look for a winner, though neither take the risk of throwing men forward in big numbers. Chris Holroyd’s insouciant lob shaves the crossbar for the hosts before the tireless Kayden Johnson has a decent strike saved by the solid Jalal in stoppage time.

A frustrated Sean Newton picks up a late yellow for the Dragons, with the game’s first reckless challenge, and referee Ollie Yates blows for full-time. It’s been a hard-fought and fair contest, but neither side has been close to their best. For Macclesfield Town, their last real chance of a playoff push appears to have gone

For Wrexham, it’s a solid away point, and 0-0 is a fair reflection of the game. But the huge travelling support may well be thinking of Kayden Jackson’s strike against the woodwork and wondering what might have been.

By Train: Macclesfield is well served by rail. The town’s station is on the London Euston-Manchester Piccadilly line, the Manchester Piccadilly-Oxford route, and the regional Manchester Piccadilly-Stoke on Trent service, all of which run frequently. The Moss Rose Ground is around 1.5 miles south of the train station.

By Car: If you’re coming from the South, leave the M6 at Junction 17 and go onto the A534 towards Congleton. Then follow signs for A54 Buxton, and remain on the A54 for 5 miles before taking the A523 towards Macclesfield. The ground will be on your left.

From the North, exit the M6 at Junction 18, taking the A54 towards Congleton. On reaching Congleton town centre follow the signs for A54 Buxton. Then it’s the same route as for the South. Postcode: SK11 7SP

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/28/silkmen-draw-a-blank-in-wrexham-stalemate/feed/0DSC07553erictheking9Macclesfield's new eatery 'Volk' is well worth a visit.The historic interior of the Bate Hall Pub on quaint Chestergate.Settling down in the Corner Flag bar with some essential matchday supplies.Macc 'keeper Shwan Jalal powers a goal-kick downfield.DSC07550All visitors to the Moss Rose are advised to heed this warning!Under the League Interviews…Wayne Carlislehttps://undertheleague.com/2016/02/20/under-the-league-interviews-wayne-carlisle/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/20/under-the-league-interviews-wayne-carlisle/#respondSat, 20 Feb 2016 21:07:38 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3900The last 17 years have been quite the ride for Northern Irish wing wizard Wayne Carlisle. And the genial, engaging Truro City assistant talks me through a playing career which began at the lofty heights of a packed Selhurst Park and ended with a bittersweet mixture of triumph and early retirement at picturesque Plainmoor. But Wayne’s journey has been about much more than his performances at 3pm on a Saturday.

There have, of course, been back-to-back promotions to the Football League, with Exeter City and Torquay United. A dramatic end-of-season run which somehow preserved Bristol Rovers’ (then) unbroken run of 83 years in the league. And, of course, success as Steve Tully’s right-hand man at Truro City. But Wayne has also been coaching the next generation of players to succeed, whether in the beautiful game or in the world of business. Here is his story.

DB: You joined your first club, Crystal Palace as a teenage trainee. How difficult was it leaving your home in Lisburn, Northern Ireland to join the Eagles? And what are your earliest memories of life at the club?

WC: At 15-years-old, I didn’t find it tough at all. I didn’t look at it in that way, I saw it through a child’s eyes. I was just excited to have the opportunity to play professional football. Looking back on it now I have my own children, and work with children, for someone at that age, moving was a big thing.

I went into digs with another Irish lad named Kieran Loughran, and we lived together for about three years, so having that company made it a lot easier. And I was a young lad, training every day, and it was all I had ever dreamt of doing. It was a brilliant experience.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: Wayne in his Palace days.

DB: Your league debut at Palace came against Birmingham City in February 1999, and you became a regular fixture in midfield. What do you remember about your debut? And what was it like playing and training with established stars like Atillio Lombardo and Saša Ćurčić?

WC: On my debut? I just remember the noise. Walking onto the pitch, having never played in front of so many people before, that was memorable. As soon as any game kicks off, you’re into the action and you play automatically from your habits in training.

I think I took training with that calibre of player for granted. I was used to it from an early age and assumed that it was just normal. But in retrospect, it was a really big deal and a privilege to get to work alongside people of that quality.

I definitely tried to learn from them, though. Atillio Lombardo was especially helpful. Obviously, he played the same role [winger] as me, and he would spend time talking me through things – via his interpreter, most of the time! We discussed topics like good positioning, different types of crosses and how to best use them, so he was particularly helpful.

DB: Scoring a first senior goal is a special moment for any player. Yours came in October of that year, in a 4-0 drubbing of Portsmouth. What was that moment like?

WC: That was pretty special. As I remember, the ball was on the edge of the box, and I just worked off instinct and hit it on the half-volley. Luckily enough it found its way into the net. It’s a cliché, but, you can’t describe it. It is the best feeling in the world at that age. Experiencing that was a real buzz.
I didn’t have a celebration planned, though. I wasn’t really that type. Whatever I did to celebrate – I can’t remember exactly – I’m sure it was pretty boring! Not up to the standard you see nowadays!

DB: Palace at that time were a club who went through managers pretty quickly. You played under the likes of Terry Venables, Steve Coppell, Alan Smith and Steve Bruce. Who got the best out of you as a player, and why?

WC: My best time at Palace was under Steve Coppell. He was another winger like me, so he was great in giving me individual support about that role, and was not demanding of me. He understood that I was young and finding my feet, and let me develop at a rate which was right for me, without putting me under any pressure.

Those other managers were more focused on results. Obviously, Steve [Coppell] wanted good results too, but they were more demanding. As a 19-year-old, I maybe wasn’t ready for that kind of pressure. For me personally, Steve [Coppell] was the best man-manager of the bunch.

DB: You joined Division Two side Swindon Town on loan in the following season, and were an important part of helping the side to a respectable mid-table finish. Did you enjoy your time at the County Ground, and were you keen to head out on loan?

WC: I loved my time there, actually. I was getting guaranteed first-team football at Swindon, and we were playing in front of decent crowds at a good standard. As a team, we were having a fairly successful spell, as well. At the end of my loan, I actually tried to extend it, but the Palace manager had changed from Steve Bruce to Trevor Francis. He decided to recall all of Palace’s loan players back, to have a look at them.

Going out on loan was something both I and Palace were keen on. I had been used to first-team football at a young age, and wanted that feeling of training all week and playing on a Saturday. I was desperate to have that again, and the club thought it would be a good idea for me.

DB: In March 2002, you made a permanent switch to Bristol Rovers. In your first full season, the club avoided relegation from the Football League by just 3 points, winning 3 of their last 4 games to survive. What was that nervy run-in like?

WC: That was really tough. We had signed a lot of very good players that season, and for some reason, the team just didn’t click. We had so much quality in the squad, so in the latter part of the season, the players were just looking at each other thinking ‘we really shouldn’t be in this situation’.

We signed Andy Rammell partway through the season, and he was a hugely important addition and scored some crucial goals [including 4 in those final three games]. I pitched in with some goals myself, and we survived. But it wasn’t enjoyable, and certainly not a situation which a club of Bristol Rovers’ stature should have been involved in.

Wayne was vital to Rovers’ survival in 2002-03.

DB: In the following campaign, you notched an impressive 8 goals from midfield, and provided the service that helped striker Giuliano Grazioli reach double figures. Do you think that was one of your best seasons in the game?

WC: I was certainly productive that season, and I did my job well, so it was one of my best years in a personal sense. Rovers’ manager at that time was Ray Graydon – another right winger, funnily enough! So again, he was a manager with a good understanding of what was needed from me, and I fit into his style of play. That obviously made it a lot easier for me to have a successful season.

DB: You joined Martin Ling’s Orient revolution from Rovers, and played in the first half of the Promotion season of 2005-06, before you were sold to Conference Premier club Exeter City. Do you feel proud to have been part of Orient’s success, or were you unhappy at having missed out on that end-of-season glory?

WC: No, I wasn’t unhappy about it. I played my part in Orient’s season, and obviously whilst I would have liked to have been there to celebrate at the end, the move to Exeter was a mutual decision. Exeter were looking for someone in my position, and I had worked with [then City manager] Alex Inglethorpe at Leyton Orient previously.

He said he wanted to take me down there, and as I wasn’t getting guaranteed regular games at Orient at that time, I thought the move would be worthwhile. I wished them all the best, and off I went. And I was just proud of what I achieved in the early days.

I left the O’s on good terms. I actually went back and trained with Martin after breaking my leg, before I rejoined Exeter [in October 2006]. It was actually Paul Tisdale who re-signed me there!

DB: Your time at St. James’ Park was certainly a successful one. The Grecians reached the Playoffs twice and were promoted to the Football League in 2008, thanks largely to your crucial strikes against Torquay United in the Semi-Finals. Did that feel extra special after what happened with Orient?

WC: Yes, to an extent. However, Orient’s promotion was not something I was especially conscious of missing out on because I had still played a part in it. The nature of football is also that players move on.

It was nice to see the journey through with Exeter. Especially so as we had come very close in my first season with the club, losing the final at Wembley [to Morecambe].

DB: What was Paul Tisdale like to play under?

WC: Paul is a fantastic gaffer and an especially good man-manager. He understood the players well as individuals and took the time to get to know us. I had a very good relationship with him.

DB: You repeated the Conference promotion feat the following season with none other than Torquay United, but retired less than a year later, in January 2010. Were injuries, or a new career path the main reason behind retiring at age 30?

WC: It was a combination of both. I had damaged ligaments in my knee, around Christmastime [of 2009]. The medical advice I received was that the injury was going to seriously inhibit my days of playing football, in the near future. At that point, a job had become available, teaching the game in a college. I had taken on board the advice of the specialist who warned that the injury would stop me playing at Conference level, at some point.

The game usually spits people out, and I didn’t want that to happen to me. When the opportunity of this college role came about, I decided to leave on my own terms, and in my own way.

Wayne in action for the Gulls during his promotion-winning stint.

DB: Outside of the game, you are still Director of Football at Ivybridge Community College in Devon, and have had the likes of Paul Scholes running a session, as part of your initiative to improve the school’s football academy. So what are the essential things that you think young players need to know about the game?

WC: They need to understand how the game functions. So they need to realise how invasion games work. Game understanding is a key thing. It is something which the top players possess, and a lot of younger players don’t have. Work ethic is also crucial, as is a passion for actually playing football.

Players also need to take on information and apply what they have learnt in training and matches as well. But what we try to do at the college is not just about developing footballers. We actually look to develop people. They get strong values from us, so that whether they are in football or business, or whatever route they take in the future, those individuals will have the skills to make a positive contribution.

DB: In 2011, you returned to play a handful of games for Truro City, and you must have liked the place, as you came back to Treyew Road three years later as Assistant Manager to Steve Tully. How did the move come about? And what was it about Truro City that made this the right club for you?

WC: When I first took the job, I wasn’t sure it was right for me to be honest! I had seen my pathway after playing as working in youth football. Working with players in that development phase is something I really enjoy.

The Truro City position came up when Steve Tully – who I had played with at Exeter – contacted me. He said the job had come up and asked if I’d be interested. My initial response was ‘not really’!

I didn’t think this role was part of my journey, but Steve convinced me to go along and stand with him on a Saturday. And I had to be honest with him, I enjoyed it! It’s a role I’ve been happy with ever since, and the club has had some real success, which has tied me to it.

Being involved in senior football again has also reignited that competitiveness in me. You kind of lose that when you work in the development phase, because the aim is to develop players in the long-term, and winning a game on a Saturday is not a major focus. You don’t experience those positive short-term results.

Having played football for 12 years professionally, that competitive spirit is always in me somewhere. It doesn’t just disappear. Joining Truro gave me the opportunity to ignite that fire again and gave me that spark that I had probably missed.

DB: You and Steve have proved a formidable team, winning promotion from the Southern Premier Division last season, defeating St. Neots Town in the final. But how do you two differ in your approach, tactically and as man-managers?

WC: We both have our different views on the game, but we’re also pragmatic about our approach. Steve and I both have an idea of how we would like the team to play, but we realise that sometimes our circumstances and the level we’re working at means that can’t always be translated onto the pitch.
But we don’t let ourselves get bogged down by that because the aim is to win games of football. I think part of the reason we’ve been a successful partnership at Truro is a willingness to sacrifice a bit on our ideals of how we think football should ideally be played.

Giving his players some vital instructions as Truro assistant.

DB: That’s fascinating. So how do you think the way Truro line up differs from how you would play ideally?

WC: We line up to compete with the opposition, first and foremost. Tactically, we set about trying to disrupt their game, and as the match goes on, start to impose how we want to play on them. The pitches at this level dictate what we can do, somewhat. We’d like to ask our players to play the ball out from the back and through midfield, but that isn’t always going to be possible.

Sometimes we have to be more direct than our ideal style would be, and on occasion, we’re required to be a more physical side as well. Those things are dictated by the opposition, the level and the pitches we’re working on.

DB: The success Truro City have experienced with you in the dugout is bound to mean that your stock is high. Is the long-term aim to take on a manager’s job within Non-League, or do you prefer the assistant role and having the work at Ivybridge?

WC: No, that isn’t my aim. Steve [Tully] does all the man-management work, and dealing with the agents – things in that area. I just enjoy being out on the grass with the players, coaching them. I like watching our opposition and coming up with tactical plans. Those are the aspects I’m happy doing, so I don’t think I could see myself going into management.

Then again, I hadn’t seen being an assistant manager in adult football as part of my career path. So I could never say never, but it would take a lot to get me off the training pitch and away from spending that time teaching players. It’s what I love doing – at any age group and any level.

DB: What do you enjoy doing outside of football? And was there ever a career you considered, aside from playing the beautiful game?

WC: Oh dear, I don’t get any time outside of football Dave! [*laughs*]

I enjoy being with my family. I have two young boys, and I love spending time with them. They’re my release from football.

With regards to a career outside of football, I wouldn’t have a clue what else to do! It’s been my life since I was 15, and had been all I ever dreamt of doing as a little lad kicking around in Northern Ireland. I feel privileged and proud to have made a career in the game, but I never had any other occupation in my head, and still don’t.

Thank you to Wayne for his superb insights into a fascinating life in football. Best of luck to Wayne and everyone at Truro City for the rest of the season.

All images are accredited in the ‘Description’ section for the photos.

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/20/under-the-league-interviews-wayne-carlisle/feed/0Wayne Cover Photoerictheking9A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: Wayne in his Palace days.Wayne was vital to Rovers' survival in 2002-03.Wayne in action for the Gulls during his promotion-winning stint.Giving his players some vital instructions as Truro assistant.Free Parkin: Forest Green Dominate in Halifaxhttps://undertheleague.com/2016/02/14/free-parkin-forest-green-dominate-in-halifax/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/14/free-parkin-forest-green-dominate-in-halifax/#respondSun, 14 Feb 2016 17:24:12 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3883My latest Matchday Adventure saw me venture into West Yorkshire, and to The Shay in particular.

There is a curious thing that occasionally happens at the cinema. Every now and then, a scene gets shown in the wrong place. You might see a snippet of some drama not yet ready to be glimpsed by those watching, or else a jarring flashback to something you saw a while back, in this very spot. Watched by an increasingly frustrated audience, the latter appears to be taking place at the home of FC Halifax Town.

Arriving in the midst of Jim Harvey’s otherwise glorious reign, this is a performance and result which seem to have been clumsily misplaced in the timeline. It has all the hallmarks of Neil Aspin’s latter-day struggles or the Shaymen during the disappointing reign of Darren Kelly. Is this just a blip, or could the fairy tale be over?

Over the hills and down in the valley. That’s where you will find the town of Halifax, tucked below the eerie moorlands which sweep across the South Pennines. This has been and remains – to some extent – an industrial powerhouse. The town’s distinctive stone houses are as tough as Jim Harvey’s defence and remain from an era in which Halifax was a leader in producing both textiles and chocolate. Sadly, though, there’s no record of a merger resulting in a Father Ted-esque ‘Jumper Cake’ being made in this corner of West Yorkshire.

Halifax’s historic Dean Clough complex.

Regular readers* of the Matchday Adventures column (*if such a thing exists), will know that I enjoy a burger or pie even more than the next groundhopper. But today I’ve treated myself to lunch at Ricci’s Tapas and Cicchetti. There’s Chorizo in Cider. Steak Tartare. Prawns. And before you ask, it does cost less than 90 minutes of Premier League football. I settle down with my groundhopping companion (today: my Dad) and keep an eye out for a possible sighting of Jon Parkin sneaking in for a paella or five.

There’s just about time to nip into The 1904 at Dean Clough before kick-off. Despite the grandiose name, it’s a pleasant enough pub just across the street. There’s nothing particularly unique about it, but with sport on several screens, good local ales and a friendly feel, it’s a nice place to grab a quick drink and discuss your pre-match predictions en route to the Shay.

The likeable 1904 at Dean Clough Pub, in the traditional heart of Halifax.

MBi Shay Stadium (known as ‘The Shay’ to literally everyone, everywhere) has spent most of its history hosting league football, and you can tell. The ground has an impressive exterior, two large seated stands running along each side of the pitch and a large terrace behind either goal. The South Stand terrace houses the most vocal home support, and along with the Main Stand, is the only part of the ground which is fairly well populated.

As usual, I hassle some poor chap trying to watch the pre-match warm up to ask how they think the hosts’ season is going. Today, it’s Stan, a veteran Halifax Town fan in a debonair flat cap. He asserts that much of the side’s recent improvement is down to the “defence doing well”, but bemoans the deadline day departure of clinical striker Shaun Tuton to League One Barnsley. “The [FA] Trophy would be nice”, Stan admits, “but the league is more important”. It is, he says, “a shame we keep drawing”. A few more wins would certainly help ease the relegation concerns, but overcoming a Forest Green Rovers side challenging for the title is one of Harvey’s toughest assignments yet.

A rare snap of yours truly (eagerly awaiting an exciting 90 minutes).

The teams enter the fray backed by the unnecessarily dramatic title music from Sky Sports News, and we get underway. The opening exchanges are lively, but neither side can muster an early opener. Elliott Frear fires a rasping shot at ex-Port Vale ‘keeper Sam Johnson, but the tight angle means the Shaymen stopper keeps it out without trouble. At the other end, Scott McManus fires a half-chance waywardly wide for the hosts.

It’s Forest Green who gradually tighten their grip on the game, though. The skilful Darren Carter tries his luck with a fierce effort from range, which Johnson spills and is grateful to recover before the FGR frontline has time to react. And the opener arrives shortly after. Halifax are penalised for an alleged handball inside the area from Jordan Burrow, and the imposing frame of Jon Parkin steps up to take the spot-kick. Johnson saves superbly but watches with dismay from the ground as his save lands back at the feet of the experienced Parkin, who gobbles up the rebound. 1-0.

Halifax see a few strong penalty claims waved away from referee Ian Hussin (who has an absolute shocker of a game), before their task becomes, in the words of the immortal Paul Merson, “double harder”. A fantastic breakaway run from the pacey Keanu Marsh-Brown is matched by a lovely cross to the unmarked Frear, who fires calmly back across goal, leaving the outstretched Johnson helpless. 2-0. The Rovers side pile onto one another in celebration, in front of a bitterly frustrated South Stand faithful.

The Shaymen get one good chance before the half-time whistle goes, and we huddle inside with a cup of tea away from the bracing West Yorkshire afternoon. It falls to Sam Walker, and in fairness, it is a superb strike. But it’s matched by the flailing arms of Rovers #1 Steve Arnold, who palms it clear. And nobody follows in. It’s a moment which perfectly sums up both the home side’s capabilities and the overly-cautious approach they adopt in this opening period.

A first-half chance goes begging for the Shaymen.

The second half is a quieter affair, though not without flashes of excitement. Substitute Richard Peniket, a former Wales U21 international pings a header over the crossbar following a beautiful cross from an otherwise quiet Kingsley James. If he heads it into the ground, it might be game on again. But the chance goes begging, and Halifax will not get another opportunity like it.

Town play some good passing football in the second period but show a real reluctance to take risks and shoot. Even Jordan Burrow, the lively forward who netted his 13th goal of the campaign in the midweek FA Trophy win over Chester, seems frightened to try his luck. And in the closing half hour, it’s the away side – on their rare counter attacks – who look the more likely to add names to the scoresheet.

Rob Sinclair hits an exquisite effort which loops just over the bar. Darren Carter goes even closer, firing a rasping shot straight against the frame of the goal. And the speedy Kurtis Guthrie and Keanu Marsh-Brown seem able to run the home defence ragged at will. In the final stages of an increasingly fractious and physical game (thankfully/sadly dampened by the exit of the pantomime villain Jon Parkin), things almost get worse for the hosts.

A frustrated South Stand faithful watch on with the game at 0-2.

Marsh-Brown has a one-on-one well saved by Johnson, whilst Halifax midfielder Connor Hughes loses his temper and starts scrapping with the opposition defence, and could be considered fortunate to stay on the pitch. The referee and his team of officials are vociferously booed off, and the Halifax players applauded heartily even in defeat. Jim Harvey has a first defeat as Town boss, and against the club he managed for 3 years. It’s bound to hurt. But relegation would be a much tougher pill to swallow.

Halifax Town – 0

Forest Green Rovers – 2 (Parkin ’20, Frear ‘30)

3pm, 13th February 2016

MBi Shay Stadium, Halifax (Att: 1,329)

Travel & Ticket Info:

Ticket Prices: Adults (£17), Concessions (£13). This applies to all areas of the ground, and for both home and away supporters.

Travel: Halifax is well served by rail. There are regular trains from major Northern stations such as York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Blackpool North. Halifax railway station, located in the centre of the town (0.6 miles walk from MBi Shay Stadium) is also on the London Kings Cross-Bradford Interchange line.

By car, head off the M62 motorway onto the A629 at Junction 24, and follow the signs for Halifax. The ground will be on your right, 3 miles further on. Postcode: HX1 2YS.

There is parking at the stadium, costing £3. I arrived at 2:30pm and the car park was mostly (though not entirely) full. Otherwise, there are several car parks in the centre of Halifax.

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/14/free-parkin-forest-green-dominate-in-halifax/feed/0DSC07541erictheking9Halifax's historic Dean Clough complex.DSC07533A rare snap of yours truly (eagerly awaiting an exciting 90 minutes).A first-half chance goes begging for the Shaymen.A frustrated South Stand faithful watch on with the game at 0-2.Team of the Week 9th Februaryhttps://undertheleague.com/2016/02/09/team-of-the-week-9th-february/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/09/team-of-the-week-9th-february/#respondTue, 09 Feb 2016 16:55:52 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3878A day later than normal, its time for this week’s team of the week awards, featuring a well earned replay, a hard earned win and a superbly earned draw.

Third Place: Bognor Regis Town

The Rocks currently lie in fourth place in the Isthmian League Premier Division table, six points of the top but with two games in hand. And their cup form is just as good. Jamie Howell’s side claimed an excellent goalless draw in their FA Trophy fourth round tie at Sutton United, and will replay the tie this evening. They have already claimed notable scalps along the way, including Maidstone United and Altrincham. If they can get through the replay, their reward will be a home tie with Torquay United or Macclesfield Town.

Second Place: Kidderminster Harriers

Kiddie were picked on this week’s Non League Podcast as team of the week, and with some justification. Their 2-0 win at Boreham Wood was their first away victory in over a year, and halted an eight game losing streak. The result leaves still leaves them stranded somewhat at the bottom of the National League table, some thirteen points off the safety places. Survival seems like an unassailable target, but the win should serve to boost morale, so who knows?

Winner: Truro City

Whilst Kiddie were the TOTW on the podcast, I am a sucker for a comeback. Hence my choice is different on here.

Truro have had their travails in recent years, but are seemingly back on the right track. Nicely positioned just outside the National South playoffs, they travelled to Ruislip to take on Wealdstone, probably confident of picking up three more points. However, they were 3-0 down by half time, and 4-0 behind not long after the break. However, they are at the top end of the table for a reason, and they achieved a quite miraculous feat by rescuing a point. Three goals in the final nine minutes saw the game end 4-4, a comeback of truly epic proportions.

As always, your input is welcomed. If you would like to nominate an entrant for team of the week, get in touch. Tweet @undertheleague or email undertheleague@gmail.com

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/09/team-of-the-week-9th-february/feed/0NL FootballjamesutlUTL Team of the Week February 1sthttps://undertheleague.com/2016/02/01/utl-team-of-the-week-february-1st/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/01/utl-team-of-the-week-february-1st/#respondMon, 01 Feb 2016 16:28:32 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3875A momentous cup-run achievement, a first point of the season and an incredible comeback feature in this week’s Team of the Week.

Third Place: Camberley Town

The Krooners hit five without reply against ten man Newton Aycliffe on Saturday to seal their place in the quarter finals of this season’s FA Vase for only the second time in the club’s history. Leading 1-0 at half time after an even opening forty five minutes, Camberley proceeded to hit a further four goals – the fifth direct from a corner – to cement their place in the last eight, where they could face local rivals Hartley Wintney, assuming the Hampshire side can get through their rearranged tie against Hereford.

Second Place: New Mills AFC

The Millers’ 2-2 draw at Witton Albion last Tuesday probably doesn’t seem too remarkable. That is, until you take a look at the Northern Premier League Division One North table. The division’s basement club had previously lost all twenty two league matches, and this was their first point of the campaign. And it could have been even better for Garry Brown’s side, as they led twice in the match. Unfortunately, Saturday’s game at Bamber Bridge fell foul of the weather, meaning they were denied the opportunity to extend their unbeaten streak.

Winner: FC United of Manchester

Saturday’s game at Broadhurst Park always promised goals, and boy did it deliver! Both FC United and their visitors Harrogate Town had hit six the week before, with Town scoring their half dozen without reply against league leaders Solihull Moors. And it looked as though they were going to continue their fine form by going 3-0 up ten minutes before half time. However, the Red Rebels pulled one back right on half time through George Thomson, and what followed was quite exceptional. Three goals in the first ten minutes of the second half saw FC United complete an incredible comeback against shellshocked opposition.

Who will win next week? Have your say on twitter by mentioning @undertheleague.

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/02/01/utl-team-of-the-week-february-1st/feed/0NL FootballjamesutlComeback Not Enough As Bracknell Town Lose Local Derbyhttps://undertheleague.com/2016/01/30/comeback-not-enough-as-bracknell-town-lose-local-derby/
https://undertheleague.com/2016/01/30/comeback-not-enough-as-bracknell-town-lose-local-derby/#respondSat, 30 Jan 2016 10:47:02 +0000http://undertheleague.com/?p=3862A spirited comeback from Bracknell Town saw them narrowly lose this local derby with their cross town rivals Binfield in front of a bumper Friday night crowd. Own goals and defensive errors were the order of the night in wet and windy conditions.

A lot has changed at Bracknell Town’s Larges Lane ground since my last visit. The clubhouse has moved into what was the function room, with the old bar now being used solely for the excellent BTFC Cafe, and the multitude of trees behind the goal at the Larges Lane end has been removed. There has also been some executive seating installed behind the goal at the other end:

There has also been changes in the playing staff and management, with Mark Tallentire – a former Bracknell player and Binfield manager – now in charge of The Robins, replacing former incumbent Keith Pennicott-Bowen. Top scorer Shane Cooper-Clark has departed also, moving on to the league leaders Thatcham Town just a fortnight after ‘Tally’ took over, and just a month or so after saying he wanted to stay and reach 100 goals for the club. He left while just a handful of goals shy of that target. Oh, and former management team Steve Nebbet and Danny Olliphant are now registered as players with the club, and were on the bench for this match.

On the pitch, and from the outset Binfield were well on top, and they took full advantage of playing down the slope with the wind behind them, racing into a three goal lead inside the first twenty one minutes. On four minutes, Liam Ferdinand turned and fired wide, but four minutes later the visitors took the lead. A long punt forward caused chaos in the Bracknell backline, and as goalkeeper Gary Aulsberry came out to collect, defender Callum Whitty headed the ball over him and into his own net.

Binfield could have made it 0-2 on a couple of occasions before they actually did. A cross from the left wing had to be headed off the line after it caught out Aulsberry and almost floated in, while the home keeper made an impressive save to keep out a shot from distance. However, it was 0-2 on sixteen minutes as a nice passing move saw Chris Dean played in, and he finished well past Aulsberry. It was a fully deserved lead, with Bracknell struggling to make their way up the sloping pitch.

Binfield take a corner during their dominant first half spell

Seb Bowerman was probably Bracknell’s best player on the night, and the left winger did produce a shot on goal before Binfield got their third. He cut inside and hit one with his right foot, however his attempted curler took a nick on it’s way through, and it rolled harmlessly into goalkeeper Nathan Silver’s hands. And then it was three, as Jemel Johnson capitalised on a slip from Carl Davies before firing home.

This seemed to wake Bracknell up, and for the rest of the half they tried to find a way back into the match, which the eventually managed seven minutes before half time. Unsurprisingly, Bowerman was involved; his shot after a run was blocked by Michael Walton, but the loose ball was slotted home by new signing Kensley Maloney. There were a couple of other chances for Bracknell to further reduce the deficit before the break, but left back Smith fired agonisingly wide after a stellar run, and Nathan Silver produced a decent save from a shot from the edge of the box. Half time Bracknell Town 1 Binfield 3.

Straight after the restart, Binfield should have put the result beyond doubt. A long punt upfield by Silver evaded the Bracknell rearguard, and Jemel Johnson was clean through. However, he dragged his shot horribly wide of the far post. At the other end, Seb Bowerman again tormented the Binfield fullbacks, and his powerful shot almost caught out Silver at his near post, but the keeper got down well and turned the ball round his post.

Twenty minutes into the second half it was 2-3 as a Nathan Silver had a moment he will want to forget in a hurry. Carl Davies curled a harmless looking high cross towards the back post. However, it seemed to be drifting wide until Silver attempted to catch it, and in doing so fumbled it into his own net. It was a deserved goal for the Robins, as they were the better side pretty much since Binfield’s third goal.

Bracknell Town defender James Suarez lines up a free kick

Despite being on top, Bracknell struggled to create many more chances, with the most notable coming from successive corners twenty minutes from time. Callum Whitty’s looping header was tipped over by Silver, and from the resulting corner, Carl Davies side footed over at the back post. Binfield held on for the points though, leaving Bracknell lamenting their slow start. At least Tallentire can take solace in the fact that his team tightened up and achieved that old adage of ‘winning the second half.’ Something for him to build on going forward.

The result leaves Bracknell mired in relegation trouble in the Hellenic Premier table, while Binfield move up one place to seventh. Both teams have several games in hand on the teams around them.

Bracknell Town (1)2
Maloney 38, Silver 64og

Binfield (3)3
Whitty 8og, Dean 16, Johnson 21

]]>https://undertheleague.com/2016/01/30/comeback-not-enough-as-bracknell-town-lose-local-derby/feed/0IMG_0042jamesutlIMG_0037Binfield take a corner during their dominant first half spellIMG_0049Bracknell Town defender James Suarez lines up a free kickIMG_0051